Bible Strands
3 John 1:12
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author addresses a known recipient at the close of a personal letter, commending Demetrius just before noting he has many more matters to discuss in person. He writes this final commendation to ensure the recipient receives an accurate evaluation of a traveling minister.
The words — The verb μεμαρτύρηται (memarturētai) translates literally as "witness has been given," marking a completed action of bearing testimony. The pronoun αὐτῆς (autēs) refers directly to "the truth," indicating that objective spiritual reality itself validates Demetrius's conduct.
The thread — The pattern of a verified reputation runs through Acts 10:22 and 1 Timothy 3:7, where righteous living produces a good standing among observers. The reliability of such witness is reinforced in John 21:24, where the author explicitly confirms the truthfulness of his testimony.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to measure claims of character against both communal observation and the standard of truth itself. It demands that the recipient accept established, verified testimony rather than unconfirmed reports when evaluating those who serve.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 3:7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
- John 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who has written them down. And we know that his testimony is true.
- Acts 10:22 “Cornelius the centurion has sent us,” they said. “He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation. A holy angel instructed him to request your presence in his home so he could hear a message from you.”
- Acts 22:12 There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,
- John 19:35 The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.